Chapter 9 “Laser Welding of Ultra-High Strength Steels for Solid Rocket Motors”,

H. G. SVOBODA; M. A. DURAN

A Guide for Laser Welding

Nova Science Publishers

Lugar: New York; Año: 2023; p. 207 - 252

Ultra-high strength materials (1000–1800 MPa) have been used for aerospace and defence applications, in different parts of Solid Rocket Motors (SRM). The case is a critical tubular component fabricated by welding, mainly using AISI 4130 or Maraging steels. Its structural integrity is a relevant aspect, controlled by the quality of the welded joints. In this sense, the optimization of the welding procedure is important to assure the stablished requirements.AISI 4130 is a Cr-Mo steel with medium C content, widely used for small SRM cases, which reach between 900 and 1200 MPa of tensile strength, with good toughness in quenching and tempering (Q&T) condition. Its weldability is limited by the relatively high alloy content. Due to the welding thermal cycle produces a microstructural gradient through the welded joint. A post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is required to adjust the final mechanical properties. Maraging C250 steel has an extra-low C content (